Mushkin PC3200 Level II V2 (2-2-2-5) DDR Memory Review

This being my first time working with Mushkin’s memory, I must say that I am very pleased with what I have seen through my testing. The PC3200 Level II V2 modules we tested for this review are specifically designed to run at 2-2-2-5 at DDR400 in both AMD and Intel systems. While Intel systems benefit much more from higher bandwidth, Athlon based systems can also benefit from the extremely low latencies.

The modules performed very well at their rated timings and speeds. Additionally, the memory was able to overclock to 213 MHz (almost PC3500 speeds) with timings of 2-2-2-5! Relaxing the timings allowed for a maximum overclock to 250 MHz, hitting DDR500 (PC4000) speeds with timings of 3-3-3-7! While this memory wasn’t able to surpass 250 MHz, it was able to at least reach it with more aggressive timings than found with most PC4000 modules.

This memory is tuned to run at lower speeds with tighter timings, where as other modules, including Corsair’s PC3200 XL, prefer higher speeds with more relaxed timings. It generally comes down to what kind of memory you are looking for. If you prefer, or are forced to stay below DDR500 speeds, you should definitely consider this Level II memory which allows for tighter timings and better performance at speeds under DDR500. However, if you are a bandwidth hog and want to push the MHz as much as possible, Corsair’s PC3200 XL would make a worthy alternative. As a small note to those who may not have the best motherboards, this memory can run at its rated 2-2-2-5 @ DDR400 with a mere 2.5 volts while many other modules require at least 2.75v.

With all that said, you really can’t go wrong when looking at 2-2-2 memory from the major competitors out there. While there are some variations between the different modules, from what we have seen they all pretty much kick ass. You can purchase a 1 GB dual channel set of Mushkin’s PC3200 Level II V2 memory directly from Mushkin for $319. This is very competitively priced with other brands and you don’t have to hassle with finding a decent store to buy from. Overall, this is some kickin’ memory!

Pros
Extremely low latency
Great performance
High quality
Great overclock @ 2-2-2-5 (213 MHz)
Good overclock @ 3-3-3-7 (250 MHz)
Competitively priced
Cons
Nothing worth noting

Mushkin PC3200 Level II V2 (2-2-2-5) DDR Memory @ The TechLounge